Bentley R Type Continental by H.J.Mulliner

One of the very first R Type Continentals built

A lightweight example weighing in at 3, 798 lbs when new

A superb specification, with lightweight seats, manual transmission and rear wheel spats

Acquired by the present owner in 2022 and significantly improved since then

Extensive history from the penultimate owner (between 1978 and 2022) and the present owner

Complete with original handbook and original service manual

Comes with the beautiful R Type Continental owners edition book by Hueber and Sulzberger

Approximately £140, 000 of recent works between 2022 and 2025

Chassis No BC11A is one of the very first R Type Continentals produced and was originally completed and purchased in late 1952 and then delivered in February of 1953 to its first owner Mrs Loel Guinness. It was supplied through Franco Britannic Automobiles, the French Rolls-Royce agent, finished in Tudor grey with a maroon leather interior (VM 3186) Mrs Guinness was the third wife of British MP Thomas Loel Guinness who was a member of the famous brewing dynasty. In January 1955 the car was sold through Franco Britannic once again, to Lemaigre Dubreuil and then again in 1964 when it was sold to Mr M Rambuteau.

Chassis No BC11A returned to the UK for the first time in 1967 when supplied by Jack Barclay Ltd to Mr Guy May. The car had three further owners between 1969 and 1977, on each occasion Jack Barclay Ltd were the selling agent. In November 1978 the car was purchased by the penultimate owner to date owner who retained it until 2022 when it was supplied by Frank Dale to the present owner.

At point of acquisition in 2022, the present owner instructed us to prepare the car to his high standards with a full mechanical review, some improvements to the coachwork and a complete restoration of the car’s interior, with new leather, cabin and boot carpets, restored woodwork and detailed works to the chrome, dashboard dials, steering wheel and the steering column. These works totalled around £140, 000 of expenditure and are available to look upon in detail in the car’s history file.

The specification of Chassis No BC11A, with manual gears, bucket seats and rear wheel spats is also one of the most attractive and desirable configurations available on the R Type Continental in our opinion. It comes complete with its original handbook, original service manual, copy chassis cards, photographs from the restoration works, tools and history file. Chassis No BC11A is a beautiful early production, lightweight example of this iconic model which comes fully prepared for its next fortunate owners enjoyment.